On a modest budget City Architecture Office created an efficient, pleasant workplace to encourage staff interaction and teamwork. High speed comms, office, reception, chill out space, seminar & meeting rooms were required within the shell of a former printworks. The solution is a subtle intervention using quality materials and colour to create a relaxing and focussed environment for occupants.

Key elements include a translucent marble reception desk, a curved birch ply wall in the seminar room, and opalescent polycarbonate partitions that maximise levels of natural daylight where accommodation is sub-divided.

A high degree of openness allows spaces to flow into one another. The meeting and seminar rooms are adaptable to suit small or large groups by moving a folding dividing wall. Computer storage is provided in a ventilated, glazed “comms hub”, deliberately in view for the constant monitoring of servers. The design allows users to customise space and connect to their urban surroundings.

A bespoke reception desk fronted with translucent Carrara marble and sculptural steel conference table were designed respectively for the key entrance and meeting spaces. The building is fully disabled accessible and lighting installed to suit CIBSE lighting guidance for display screen use.